Cockroach Identification Guide

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are oval-shaped insects with long antennae and six legs covered in spines. Some species have fully developed wings. Cockroaches are best known for their incredible ability to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. Unfortunately, their adaptability also makes them tough to control and keep out of our homes and businesses. Cockroaches live in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and are scavengers - they eat almost anything they come across! While there are thousands of species of cockroaches living worldwide, only a few species live near people.

The American cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, and German cockroach are the most common species of cockroaches living in our area of Connecticut:

American cockroachesAmerican cockroaches are the largest cockroach living in the United States that infests our properties. Adults range from 1-1/4 to over 2 inches long. These cockroaches have mahogany-colored bodies with a unique, yellowish figure-8 marking behind their heads. They have fully developed wings and can fly short distances.

Brown-banded cockroachesThe brown-banded cockroach has a dark brown body with lighter-colored bands crossing it. Males have fully developed wings, while females do not.

German cockroachesGerman cockroaches are light brown to tan with two horizontal black stripes located behind their heads. They have wings but are incapable of flying.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches carry a wide variety of bacteria, human-pathogens, and parasites on their bodies and legs that they pick up while traveling through drains, sewers, trash piles, compost piles, and excrement. When they get inside, they contaminate food and surfaces with things like E. coli and salmonella. These scavengers also chew on upholstered furniture, curtains, and other fabric items. Also, their presence can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks – especially in young children.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Trash cans, compost piles, pet excrement, pet food, outdoor eating areas, and gardens can all act as food sources for cockroaches and attract them to your property. Cockroaches, like most living organisms, live wherever there are suitable nesting sites close to food and water. Almost any home, yard, or business can potentially become home to cockroaches.

Where will I find cockroaches?

American cockroaches prefer to live outside behind tree bark, under mulch, and in gardens. These cockroaches are only occasional invaders of homes and businesses. In contrast, German cockroaches prefer to live inside in damp, dark areas like behind appliances, in drawers, under cabinets, and around pipes and drains. Unlike most species, brown-banded cockroaches prefer nesting spots that are in hot, dry locations. Inside, they nest up high in upper cabinets and attic spaces.

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